Sachin must get 100th ton monkey off his back in Australia: Symonds

Former Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds is confident that Mumbai Indians teammate and skipper Sachin Tendulkar will get his 100th international ton on the forthcoming tour of Australia. Symonds felt it was important for Tendulkar 'to get over it' and play freely in conditions that he enjoys.

Andrew Symonds at an event in Mumbai yesterday. Pic/Nimesh Dave

"While watching television some days ago, I heard people saying that Tendulkar came close to scoring the 100th ton, but was unable to get it. In a cricket frenzy country like India, I can feel the passion of fans wanting to see him reach the milestone. But I am sure that he will be looking forward to it.

"With the kind of experience he has, he will get that (hundred) soon. He should get that done, and get over it," said the 36-year-old at the sidelines of an event here yesterday.

Symonds echoed ex-teammate Adam Gilchrist's views that this was India's best chance to win a Test series Down Under as the Aussies are going through a rebuilding phase.

"The Indians can put pressure on the young Australian players. They have a good opportunity to win in Australia. I think there are good chances of India beating them.

"However, the young Australian players too have an opportunity to beat the Indians. There are positive chances for both sides. One needs preparation to respond properly in big games," he added.

Bhajji, a buddy nowOn a lighter note, Symonds said that he had buried the hatchet with former nemesis and Mumbai Indians teammate Harbhajan Singh. Symonds and Harbhajan were involved in an acrimonious spat after accusing the latter of racially abusing him during the 2007-08 Sydney Test.

"We are good friends now. Bhajji (Harbhajan) and I have talked about what had happened between us. We have sat down and worked out things. We get along well now. We party, socialise, we get sloshed. There are no hard feelings. It is always nice playing with him. We have left the past behind," he said.